An estate for disabled veterans is facing demolition after its charity landlord revealed plans to sell the land to developers.
Background
Linburn estate in West Lothian has been home to tenants of Sight Scotland Veterans – formerly Scottish War Blinded since the middle of last century.
However, the charity has now told residents to find new homes within a year – with 27 of them facing life on the housing list.
It comes after Sight Scotland Veterans faced losses of more than £18m over the last four years.
The charity said it was working with residents, and no one was facing immediate eviction.
MSP Angela Constance and local MP Gregor Pynton have both come out against the sale with Constance saying “When people came to live in this community, they were told they had a house for life. That has been taken away from them. It has been deeply distressing. They have felt as if the rug has been pulled from under their feet.”
Poynton was quoted as saying that Sight Scotland’s decision was totally unacceptable.
The chief executive of Sight Scotland, Craig Spalding said in response
“Running the Linburn Estate alone has generated a loss of almost £1m over this period.
“To secure our services beyond 2031, we now need to generate additional income through the sale of land, investment in income-generating assets, and increased fundraising efforts.”
“We wish to make it clear that no one faces immediate eviction.
“We have started open and transparent discussions to outline our intention to sell the land for development.
“Our priority is to engage constructively with all those affected and to work together to find solutions that are fair, respectful, and take everyone’s circumstances into account.”
Not all tenants are veterans, Keith Fisher has learning difficulties, hearing problems and cerebral palsy, he moved to Linburn 15 years ago with his parents Kim and Paul. Mrs Forbes indicated that the move would see her son in supported accommodation whilst she and Mr Forbes would be left to apply for accommodation for over 65s.
The Free Market Problem
The Homeland Party echoes the concerns of Angela Constance and Gregor Poynton, we also understand that for a cash strapped charity like Sight Scotland that pragmatism has forced their hand into selling the land. In short, if they don’t sell something off then other projects they support will suffer.
Unfortunately, the Free market allows this to happen. Land belongs to Sight Scotland, it is theirs to sell as and when they see fit and that’s that.
Nothing we can do about it
HOMELANDS RADICAL HOUSING POLICY
“It is our ambition that every British family should have a decent home with space to raise a family. Moreover, we aspire to provide more for the British people: safe and thriving communities with good transport links and access to green spaces.”
Our housing policy would ensure that the needs of our people come before profit.
Instead of the current situation which sees a charity calling time on elderly and infirm tenants with little the authorities can do about it.
We live in a time where the government can pledge hundreds of billions to foreign countries to fund war.
Ten million a day keeping illegal immigrants in hotels, but they can’t find a couple of million for Sight Scotland.
